Illiers-Combray, Rural commune in Eure-et-Loir, France
Illiers-Combray is a small commune in Eure-et-Loir in central France that sits within gently rolling countryside. The village maintains a traditional rural character with modest houses, local streets, and surrounding farmland that define its landscape.
The village was originally called Illiers and took its current name in 1971 to honor Marcel Proust and his literary legacy. The renaming marked a centennial moment tied to the author's work and his deep connection to this place.
The house that inspired Aunt Léonie's residence in Proust's novel now functions as a museum dedicated to the author's life and work. Visitors can explore the rooms that were brought to life in his memories.
The commune is accessible by car and has simple local roads that wind through the village and surrounding countryside. A museum visit is possible, but checking opening times ahead of time is advisable.
The village maintains a partnership with Coniston in England, creating a literary connection between Proust's work and John Ruskin's influence. Most visitors overlook this tie, yet it reveals how this small French village belongs to a broader European cultural network.
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